In just a couple weeks holiday parties will be in full swing (can you believe it?!) Whether it’s a family dinner, cocktails with friends or a large holiday party you mustn’t forget to bring a little something for the hostess. Struggling with what to give? Consider items that will resonate with your hostess. In the past I’ve given gifts I know the hostess will love including my favorite tea, cooking spices and dish towels with the hostess’ monogram. It’s always best to give a gift that you would like to receive yourself. If you love it, they should love it too! Here are a variety of hostess gift ideas for the 2014 holidays – you are bound to find one your hostess will love!

This festive living room featured on Poppytalk had me thinking of how much I love the color pink during the Christmas season. Simply a pale hue of red, pinks are fabulous paired with blues, greens and golds as a palette for any of the upcoming holidays. Certainly not traditional, pink holiday decor can be playful, elegant and sophisticated. Take a look at a few inspiring pink holiday decor perfect for your Thanksgiving tablescape, Christmas vignettes and News Year’s Eve dinner party.

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With the holidays just around the corner, your dining table will soon take center stage. Of course linens, glassware and the centerpiece are important items when setting the table, but dinnerware is paramount. Whether you are seeking a modern or traditional feel, there are tons of beautiful holiday dinnerware patterns to choose from. I’ve rounded up a few of my current faves in a variety of styles that would be great options for your holiday dinner party coming up.

Celebrating Thanksgiving with children is the best, but may lead to some challenges. Do you include them at the “adult” table with the fine china, silverware and crystal? Or will your littlest guests have their own designated table? It might all depend on how many kids will be there, how big your main table is and if you think the kids are ready for your finest dishes.

As for me, I prefer to have the kids to sit at the adult table – in the hopes they will learn from their parents, relatives and friends how to behave in a more formal setting. However, when I was growing up I sat at the “kids” table for years – in fact it became the “teen” table at one point!

If you are planning on having a kids’ table this Thanksgiving, it always fun to decorate in a special way. Age appropriate activities, shatter proof glasses and personal touches are just some things to think about when setting the table for your youngest guests. Here are some ideas for decorating a fun Thanksgiving kids’ table and keeping them busy!